Teen Team Features

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We design our Earthwatch Teen Expeditions specifically and exclusively for 15- to 18-year-olds. They’re unlike any other experience a teenager can have.

Do something special this summer: track jaguars and other rare predators in the jungles of Brazil and meet fascinating people from around the world.

The Araguaia River corridor connects the highly fragmented and threatened central Brazilian savannah (the cerrado) and the vast wilderness of the Amazonian rainforest. At the headwaters of the river lies Emas National Park, where jaguars, pumas, maned wolves, tapirs, and giant anteaters roam. You can help find out how these species use the land around the park, which matters because people are planting more and more of the land with sugarcane and taking away these species’ natural habitat.

You’ll map the movements of some of these animals to determine what factors influence where they go. You’ll also help install camera traps around the sugarcane plantations to capture images of animals that pass by. Working with trained dogs, you’ll look for signs these species have left behind.

Your work will help researchers find the best way to manage the land so that it supports these sometimes quite rare species. And while you work, you might catch a glimpse of some exotic forest creatures - in the past, Earthwatchers have seen macaws, giant anteaters, tapirs, armadillos, crab-eating foxes, ocelots, maned wolves, and even a puma.

Daily life in the field

Itinerary

Days 3–10: Work with camera traps, field and lab work, learn about jaguar conservation

Day 11: Recreational day, possibly including visit to Araguaia Springs

Day 12: Departure

Each day of an Earthwatch teen expedition offers a balance of hands-on research and the chance to explore your surroundings and get to know the scientists and your teammates. Your team is led not only by professional researchers but also by at least one Earthwatch facilitator, who will always be around to help you get the most out of your experience.

During this expedition, you’ll get to try your hand at a variety of activities in the field and lab. You may help set up and check camera traps; check live-traps for peccaries, maned wolves, and tapirs and, if any animals are caught, possibly assist in collecting data from the animals under anesthesia; collect scat samples with the help of scat detector dogs; count mammals that are potential prey for jaguars or pumas by boat, car, or foot; assist in radiotracking animals; and input and analyze data.

When you’re not at work, you’ll get to chance to explore some of the region’s attractions with your teammates and your facilitator(s). You’ll also have some time to relax, get to know your teammates, and soak in the atmosphere of the tropical rainforest.

Note: Field conditions and research needs can lead to changes in the itinerary and activities. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

Monitor indicator species such as white-lipped peccaries, maned wolves and tapirs.

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations and Food

Home-cooked Brazilian cuisine

Live near national park

You’ll stay at the edge of Emas National Park in a comfortable house with hot showers, flush toilets, electricity, a full kitchen, and laundry. A talented local cook will prepare your meals while, and you’ll enjoy a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables and typical Brazilian dishes such as rice and beans with beef, chicken, or fish. In the field you’ll usually take a packed lunch with sandwiches, pastries, fruit, and snacks.